Church hopes to take Wales chance

Simon Church is hoping to kickstart his own season and Wales' Euro 2012 qualifying campaign this week.

Church has made just five starts for Reading this season but hopes for a change of luck in international colours as Bulgaria visit the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday.

Injuries to Craig Bellamy and Robert Earnshaw have raised the possibility that Church could be sent out from the beginning by caretaker manager Brian Flynn.

"They're a big loss, they are big players for us. It's big quality missing out but it is a chance for other people to come in and show their worth at international level," said Church.

"I would like to be playing a lot more at Reading but I can't pick the team at the end of the day. I have got to keep working hard and try to get that starting place."

The match is Wales' first since Flynn was named as John Toshack's temporary replacement as manager.

Toshack stepped down after last month's defeat in Montenegro in the opening qualifier. That loss quickly pierced optimism that Wales could qualify for their first major tournament since 1958 but Church believes Flynn can restore confidence.

"There's a new atmosphere now with Brian coming in," said Church.

"Everyone has really taken to it and we have had a good couple of days' training so far. It is a new start for everyone and we have a lot to prove to everyone in Wales.

"Brian has come in and given us all confidence in ourselves. He's told us we can go out and win these couple of games.

"It's funny how quickly things can change and if we can win on Friday I am sure there will be a lot more confidence around the place."

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